Learning how to use your digital camera is one thing, but learning how to take good pictures is another thing entirely. Watch a professional photographer at work and you'll notice two things. First, that they spend as much time thinking as they do actually shooting, and second, that they move about and experiment with different angles and subjects.
Start by asking yourself what it is about the scene in front of you that makes you want to take a photo. If it's the colours, move around until the sun strikes them perfectly. If it's just the smiling faces of your friends, try to make them laugh even more - or catch them unawares instead of posing your shots. And don't be afraid to try your digital camera's more advanced features - you won't waste any film and you might just learn something!
Photo rules
There aren't many rules in photography - and breaking them can be half the fun - but there are a few guidelines that will make for great looking images: Fill the frame. No one wants to see a big empty space around your main subject. Get as close as you can and then get closer still with an optical zoom.
Keep shooting. Don't settle for just one snap of a subject. The beauty of digital photography is that you can review your photos instantly and delete any that you don't like.
Look around. Try taking pictures of things you wouldn't normally notice - the patterns of leaves, architectural details or reflections in glass. It might not always work but you will get some really unique images.
Think about the light. Whether it's a bright sunny day or a smoke-filled room, there are photographic opportunities everywhere, if you look in the right place.
How to shoot:
Portraits
You never know when children are going to do something amusing, so keep your camera close to hand. Get up close to see the expressions on their faces. If your camera has a burst mode, switch it on. This lets you grab several frames in quick succession - perfect for snapping fast-moving kids.
Switch into your camera's Portrait mode for easy picture-taking. Or - if your camera has manual features - choose a low aperture number to blur the background, and turn down the sharpness a notch to smooth out wrinkles.
Holidays:
In very bright conditions, shade the camera lens from the sun with one hand to avoid glare spoiling your photos. When shooting a wideangle landscape, try to fit something interesting in the foreground, even if it's just a palm tree.
Always shoot at your camera's highest resolution. This lets you trim (or "crop") images later on and still produce great-looking prints that are large enough to frame. Six megapixels will be enough for most situations, but the more megapixels the better!
Remember to pack your charger and extra batteries! Most digital cameras can manage around 150-200 shots between charges, although a few can shoot as many as 450.
Gigs and events:
Get as close as possible. That means using your camera's optical zoom to focus on the main performers. Turn off the flash unless you're very close. Instead, switch into Night mode or increase the ISO sensitivity.
Hold the camera above your head for great shots of the crowd and band. If it doesn't work, just delete and try again.
To really capture the atmosphere of a live event, nothing beats a short video clip Keep the camera steady - there should be enough going on without you panning or zooming while filming.
Sports and wildlife
A large optical zoom lens is essential to capture the excitement of the big match or pick out a bird high in a tree. A camera with a 10x lens is good.
When you're zooming in, camera shake can be a problem. Choose a fast shutter speed and high ISO sensitivity to minimise blurring - and use a tripod if it's getting dark.
Read on to find out more about going digital:
What makes a digital camera? More about your camera's components - and what to look for when buying. Taking a great picture - Framing, zooming and other simple tips for taking better photos.
Understanding technology - Get to grips with your camera's advanced features.
Using your pictures - What to do with those pictures, not that you have them.
Ready for next steps? - Taking your photography to the next level.
Editing and printing - A digital camera becomes so much more when you link it to your computer.
